Notes From The Road – Meehan’s Muse

With the first 6 weeks of the season completed, and a much needed week long break starting, I wanted to share some “mid-season” thoughts. As much for myself as for you, the fans.

The 2016 version of The Blue Devils is a blast to work with. While I am the brass caption head and arranger, I like to get to know as many of the members as possible. Not only does the brass section have an infectious positivity, I feel the same from the guard and percussion performers.

Trombones are loud 🙂 When we decided to use Trombones this year, we wanted to utilize them in a way that was unique, but still drum corps. We purposely choose to use silver plated to match the other horns. As the show has developed, and the members have become more familiar with their new instruments (many hadn’t played Trombone before) we found the Trombone was a musical character in the show. It’s been refreshing seeing the acceptance of these instruments on the field!

The first 4-6 weeks of the season always seem much longer than the last month plus. It’s the “dog days”, learning the show, woodshedding your music/work, and getting to know your corps mates. Finally getting to that first show, then getting on the road, a new excitement begins to build. Having the Blue Knights and Madison Scouts in California along with our “usual friends” was a great treat!

Finally performing the last 2 CA shows in the Rose Bowl and Riverside Community College was a blast. The crowds were great, enthusiastic alumni as far as the eyes could see, and an amazing energy from the corps.

Well, time to go to Santa Cruz with my family, before joining my “summer family” in a few short days… Do it up Devils!